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3. Hair Loss from Skin Conditions or Infections
Just like humans, dogs can get dry, cracked skin or skin infections. These conditions can cause your dog’s skin to be extremely itchy. Dogs will often lick, scratch or itch themselves to relieve the discomfort, and over time this can lead to hair loss.
Dogs with bacterial or fungal skin infections usually have an underlying allergy component as well. Bites from other animals as well as cuts and abrasions can also lead to skin infections.
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4. Hair Loss from Post-grooming Alopecia
If your dog has a particularly dense coat, clipping or shaving their hair can cause it to grow back in patches — a condition called post-grooming alopecia. This can also occur if part of your dog’s coat is shaved for a surgical procedure. It may take some time, but eventually the hair will grow back in its normal length and consistency.
5. Hair Loss from Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism occurs when your dog’s thyroid gland is inflamed or shrinks. As a result, the thyroid doesn’t function as it should.
The major signs of hypothyroidism include:
- Loss or thinning of fur
- Dull coat
- Excessive shedding
- Symmetrical bald spots on each side of body
- Weight gain
- Lower tolerance to cold temperatures
- Thickening of the skin in areas like the axilla (similar to the armpit in humans)
Hair loss due to hypothyroidism can occur anywhere on the body and doesn’t usually cause itching or redness of the skin. This occurs most often in middle-aged medium to large breeds and can be determined via a vet-administered blood test.
6. Hair Loss from Pressure Sores
Older or less mobile dogs are more prone to pressure sores, caused by the pressure of lying in one spot for an extended period of time. These sores usually show up on a dog’s hip, elbows or sides and can become a chronic condition, much like bedsores in humans.
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Signs of pressure sores include:
- Hair loss
- Ulcers
- Thickened, irritated skin
- Open wounds
Pressure sores can be difficult to treat, so prevention is key. Try to keep your dog mobile, consider getting them a wheelchair if necessary, and make sure they have clean, soft, comfortable bedding at all times. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you notice pressure sores anywhere on their body.
How to Help Keep Your Dog’s Skin and Coat Healthy
You can take several steps to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy:
- Use a moisturizing shampoo when you need to bathe them, and avoid bathing them too often to reduce the chance of irritation and dryness.
- Give your dog a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement to support their skin and immune system.
- Brush your dog regularly and check them for parasites after going hiking, to the dog park or after grooming.
- Keep your dog and other pets on an effective flea preventive year-round to reduce the chance of a flea infestation.
Don’t ignore hair loss in dogs, as it’s often an indicator of infection, parasites or another health issue. If your dog is shedding more hair than normal, or if the hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your vet to get a full picture of your dog’s health.
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